Rebuilding lives through skills and employment

To mark Anti-Slavery Day, The Salvation Army brought together employers, government representatives, and supporters at an event in London to launch a new Employer Partnership Pledge - a commitment encouraging businesses to provide work experience and employment opportunities for recovering survivors of modern slavery.

The event, on Friday 17 October 2025, celebrated the power of meaningful employment to restore independence, confidence and hope to those rebuilding their lives after exploitation. Through the Employer Partnership Pledge, businesses are encouraged to join the pledge and help create pathways to recovery for survivors of modern slavery by offering opportunities that restore confidence and independence.

Attendees heard how signing the pledge could help employers strengthen their workplaces, support local communities and enhance corporate social responsibility. The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service, working alongside its Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery team, shared how specialist, trauma-informed employment support helps survivors gain skills, confidence and sustainable jobs suited to their goals and abilities.

Speakers included The Lord Scriven, Member of the House of Lords; Eleanor Lyons, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner; Major Kathy Betteridge, The Salvation Army’s Director of Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery; and Rebecca Keating, Director of Employment Plus. Attendees also heard powerful testimonies from survivors whose lives have been transformed having been supported by The Salvation Army into safe and meaningful work.

Brought to the UK from Ghana by her aunt under false promises of education, Jennifer* was instead trapped in years of domestic slavery and abuse. With The Salvation Army’s support, she is now rebuilding her life. Her modern slavery support worker connected her with The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service, which helped her gain qualifications, volunteering experience and interview skills - leading to a new job as a support worker for people with learning difficulties and autism. Jennifer said:

“At The Salvation Army safe house, I felt safe and supported for the first time. Their Employment Plus team helped me find the confidence and skills to secure my job. After working for years without pay, earning my own income is a true blessing - it’s improved my mental and physical health, given me back my independence and financial security. The Salvation Army gave me the wings to fly. Thank you!”

Rebecca Keating, Director of Employment Plus at The Salvation Army, said:

“Survivors of modern slavery face huge barriers when trying to rebuild their lives - from gaps in education and work history to trauma, language challenges and legal restrictions. That’s why it’s so important for employers to come alongside us. Through our Employment Plus service, working hand-in-hand with our Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery teams, we provide tailored, trauma-informed support that helps survivors gain skills, training and access to meaningful jobs suited to their abilities and goals. Every survivor’s journey is unique, and with the right opportunities from supportive employers, they can take confident steps towards independence and a brighter future.” 

Patricia Fonseca, Operations Manager for independent hospitality provider, BaxterStorey, said: 

“We’re incredibly proud to work with The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service. Their Employer Partnership Pledge is a powerful way for more businesses to make a genuine difference - offering survivors of modern slavery a real path to recovery through meaningful work. With The Salvation Army’s expert support, we’re helping people rebuild their confidence and futures, while gaining skilled, dedicated team members. It’s a partnership that truly changes lives — one cup of coffee at a time.”

Major Kathy Betteridge said:

“Finding safe, secure work gives survivors more than a livelihood - it gives them dignity, belonging and a sense of purpose. Through partnerships like these, we can help people move from surviving to thriving.”

As the UK Government’s prime contractor for the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract, The Salvation Army has supported nearly 27,000 survivors to rebuild their lives, offering safe accommodation, counselling, medical care and specialist employment advice.

The Salvation Army’s Employability Practitioners work alongside jobseekers to understand their needs and goals, tailoring the Employment Plus service to fit the needs of each individual. They also provide training opportunities to support them in moving into work.

The event concluded with a call to action for employers across the country to stand together against exploitation and commit to giving survivors the chance to start anew.

More information on the pledge can be found here.